Gold One’s Modder East operation in Springs has initiated a mass dismissal of over 400 workers accused of participating in an illegal strike in the previous year. The labor dispute initially centered on organizing rights at the mine, resulting in over 500 workers reportedly not returning from an underground shaft.
Conflicting reports emerged regarding the nature of the situation, with the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) describing it as a hostage scenario, while the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU) characterized it as a voluntary sit-in.
A document, identified as the medical exit schedule and containing the names of 401 workers, has been revealed. According to labor laws, the mine is required to conduct physical examinations within 30 days of dismissing workers.
Gold One had conducted disciplinary hearings for all workers involved in the initial labor dispute, holding them accountable for the alleged wildcat strike. The company accused the workers of endangering lives and causing substantial financial losses.
The labor dispute took a tragic turn when an in-house investigator probing the matter was fatally shot near his home. Another official sustained severe injuries during a subsequent hostage situation underground.
While the mine management reportedly sent text messages scheduling medical exit exams, some workers claim they are unaware of the dismissals, indicating potential communication gaps between the company and affected employees.